Wednesday, 30 November 2011

1.MrsM realises to her horrorthat the publicity is wrong becausethat the wrong lecture theatre has been bookedby the All Powerful Timetabler.MrsM sobs pathetically and realistically.

2.The All Powerful Timetablerdoes not admit his mistakebut graciously enables a swapto the correct lecture theatre.

3.MrsM spends too much timedeciding which wines to order.More white than red??More red than white??

4.The Head of Department worriesabout the jokes in his eulogyfor The Distinguished Speaker.

5.MrsM reviews her extensive knowledgeof local restaurants to choose onewhich is comfortablebut not toooo extravagantfor the after-lecture dinner.

6.The Professor of Interesting Filmspurchases a souvenir bookfor presentation to The Distinguished Speaker.Everyone is delighted with this thoughtful touch.

7.The Distinguished Speaker arrives.He is wearing the same colour top as MrsMbut he does not notice...his mind is on loftier things.

8.The Lecture Theatre is full.People standing against wallsand sitting on the floor.Students, Staff, Visitors.There is an excited buzz of anticipationbecause he is a Distinguished Speakerand his subject matter is very relevant.

9.MrsM helps set up the wine reception.Marianne takes pride in her work.Tablecloths are folded to achieve perfect corners,wineglasses are polished and arranged.Crisps and savoury snacks laid out beautifully.MrsM tells Marianne that she is an artist.

10.Disaster!The presentation book has been leftin the Head of Department's office.The fastest member of staff is selectedto run back to the Department.(This is NOT MrsM)

11.Loud applause.The lecture is ended.More loud applause.The book is presented.150 people surge out of the lecture theatre.Drinks are drunk.Snacks are eaten.It is all over.

12.MrsM is delighted to receivea twitter update later that evening.It is clear from the photosent by the Young Academicthat the after-lecture dinneris a great success.

11 comments:

Whew!!! I remember once a 'important' meeting was scheduled and I was in charge of the catering and welcoming and realized instantly that instead of 4 VIPs 5 came in the door and there was indeed a mad dash to get the proper things for a 5th guest...